Liverpool Lose to West Brom: Individual Errors Cost Reds Once Again

Liverpool lost the chance to make up some ground on the top six places in the Premier League with a home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, and the game once more got away from the Reds because of individual mistakes.

Just recently we looked at the huge number of individual errors which Liverpool had made this season, costing them multiple goals and points, and against West Brom that affliction was repeated by the Reds after a game they had dominated ended in defeat.

So often the focal point for Liverpool's attacks, captain Steven Gerrard was one at fault for missing the biggest chance of the game for the Reds, seeing his 75th-minute penalty kick saved by West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Gerrard had earlier seen a fierce half-volley well saved by the 'keeper, but will rue missing his first spot-kick for some time given that Liverpool had seen most of their chances miss the target beforehand.

Less than five minutes later, it was Liverpool's defence, for much of the game mere bystanders recycling possession, who were found wanting.

First of all, Lucas and the rest of the midfield failed to track the lung-bursting run from YoussoufMulumbu, which forced a save from Pepe Reina, before Daniel Agger failed to track his man from the resulting corner—Gareth McAuley thumping home the header as a result.

Liverpool were given a stern warning of what could come late on in the game by the rampaging RomeluLukaku shortly after, as they pushed men forward in search of an equaliser.

The Belgian ran 50 yards in possession of the ball before shooting wide of the far post, but the Reds did not heed the warning.

As the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, Chris Brunt burst into the gap between midfield and defence again before releasing Lukaku again—who this time sealed the win.

It's a case of fine lines for Liverpool, who did all the attacking running in the game and looked the safe bet for a win after an hour or even 75 minutes, but after Gerrard's penalty miss, it looked an uphill battle for them to up the tempo again.

Concentration and consistency—two issues which have plagued Liverpool this season, and which cost them three more home points against West Brom.